Family-Friendly 6-Day Itinerary to Explore Kashmir in June 2023

1. Day 1: Srinagar City
   12 minutes (4.1 km) from Srinagar International Airport

   In the morning, visit the famous Hazratbal Shrine, situated on the left bank of Dal Lake. In the afternoon, explore the fascinating history and culture of the valley at the Sri Pratap Singh Museum. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing shikara ride on Dal Lake, taking in stunning views of the surrounding Himalayas.

2. Day 2: Gulmarg
   1 hour 50 minutes (57.7 km) from Srinagar City

   Start your day early and drive to the beautiful hill station of Gulmarg. Spend the morning taking in the breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks and lush green meadows. In the afternoon, enjoy a fun-filled family adventure with skiing, snowboarding, or a cable car ride to Kongdori. Wrap up the day with a delicious Kashmiri meal at one of the local restaurants.

3. Day 3: Pahalgam
   2 hours 30 minutes (94 km) from Gulmarg

   In the morning, drive to the serene town of Pahalgam, also known as the Valley of Shepherds. Take a leisurely walk around the Lidder River and visit the picturesque Betaab Valley. In the evening, relax by the river and enjoy the scenic views of the Himalayas.

4. Day 4: Sonamarg
   2 hours 20 minutes (80.5 km) from Pahalgam

   Drive to the mesmerizing town of Sonamarg early morning and enjoy a scenic drive through the Sindh Valley. Spend the day visiting the beautiful Thajiwas Glacier, Zojila Pass, and the serene Gangabal Lake. In the evening, take a horse ride around the town and indulge in some local food.

5. Day 5: Leh Ladakh
   7 hours 35 minutes (424 km) from Sonamarg

   Take a road trip to the fascinating town of Leh Ladakh and explore the local culture and traditions. Visit the ancient Gompa monasteries, the stunning Pangong Tso Lake, and the beautiful Shanti Stupa. In the evening, enjoy a hot bowl of thukpa, a traditional noodle soup, and spend some quality time with your family around a bonfire.

6. Day 6: Srinagar City
   10 hours 40 minutes (424 km) from Leh Ladakh

   Head back to Srinagar and spend the day visiting the famous Mughal Gardens, the historic Shankaracharya Temple, and the vibrant markets of the city. In the evening, take a stroll around the beautiful Nishat Bagh and enjoy the stunning sunset views over the Dal Lake.

Recommendations

Make sure to try the local Kashmiri cuisine, including the delicious Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, and Gushtaba. Consider taking a helicopter ride to the beautiful Amarnath Cave or going for a trek to the picturesque Tarsar Marsar Lake. Explore the handicrafts of the region, including the Pashmina shawls, papier-mache products, and traditional carpets.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Hazratbal Shrine (1 hour, free)
• Sri Pratap Singh Museum (2 hours, INR 50 per person)
• Shikara Ride on Dal Lake (1 hour, INR 500 per person)
• Cable Car Ride in Gulmarg (2 hours, INR 740 per person)
• Betaab Valley in Pahalgam (3 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Thajiwas Glacier in Sonamarg (5 hours, INR 2,500 per person)
• Pangong Tso Lake in Leh Ladakh (7 hours, INR 4,000 per person)
• Mughal Gardens in Srinagar City (2 hours, INR 20 per person)
• Shankaracharya Temple in Srinagar City (1 hour, free)
• Nishat Bagh in Srinagar City (1 hour, INR 10 per person)
• Total Estimated Costs: INR 7,840 per person